AirPods Might Soon Detect Workouts

Apple has a lot of patents, and one of the most recent ones seen online is for AirPods. The business appears to intend to offer a technology that allows the AirPods to detect the position and movement of a user's head and provide pertinent feedback during an Apple Fitness+ workout. Here's how.

Head Pose Detection

Apple recently filed a patent application titled "Wireless Ear Bud System With Pose Detection," indicating that the company is working on a system that will use AirPods' sensors to collect data and detect a user's head's position and movement. The patent was originally filed in October of 2021.

AirPods' head-pose detection mechanism can be used to determine whether a user is performing a fitness routine correctly. If they make the improper head motions during a routine, the AirPods will provide the required aural feedback to help them rectify their movements.

“A host electronic device may communicate wirelessly with the earbuds and may form part of an earbud system that supplies the user with coaching and feedback while evaluating user performance of a head movement routine or other exercise routines,"

With this system, the company aims to improve its subscription-based fitness service Apple Fitness+.

How will it work?

The accelerometer in the AirPods will collect data for the required audio feedback by detecting head movements. A sharp buzzer sound will be heard whenever a user performs a routine wrong. On the other hand, following a program correctly will result in a relaxing chiming sound. In addition, the AirPods will be able to provide you recommendations on how to enhance your head movements during workouts.

The system will also be able to match the user's head movements to the correct head movements for a certain program. It can then display the required routine stance on another display-based device, such as "a cell phone, tablet computer, desktop computer, television, or other devices."

“The guidance could take the form of spoken commands, text, audio clips, diagrams, videos, and other methods that help guide the user through the routine,” the patent further adds.

Apple might use the new head-pose recognition system to improve its 3D Spatial Audio technology in addition to employing it for Apple Fitness+. The technology, which uses head motions to provide consumers with a 3-dimensional audio experience, can use the data acquired by the AirPods to provide a more personalized audio experience.

There's no indication on whether the patent will be available because it's simply a patent. We also don't know whether Apple would release this as an OTA update for existing AirPods or only for future AirPods like the AirPods Pro 2. Regardless, let us know what you think of the new head-pose detection feature in AirPods in the comments section below.